One time I introduced my orchestra as the Shampoo Music Makers instead of the Champagne Music Makers.

Conversation didn't seem necessary when I put the accordion down and swung some young lady around the floor.

I realized some of the pitfalls of being well-known; it was nice if you were successful, but it made it just that much harder to take when you failed.

It's curious how we act in moments of personal despair.

I knew nothing of the life of a real musician, of course, but somehow I seemed to see myself standing in front of great crowds of people, playing my accordion.

On the stage of the Italian Terrace Room in the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1938 ... the place where Champagne Music was born.

My first appearance, the first time I try anything, invariably is not very successful. I tend to grow slowly, but solidly.